Portable ceiling fan stand and method

ABSTRACT

An overhead fan includes a support base configured to rest upon the horizontal surface, a vertical-extension-member, a horizontal-extension-member, an electric fan, a user interface, and a ground fault circuit interrupter. The vertical-extension-member includes a top-end and a bottom-end (relative to the horizontal surface), with the vertical-extension-member coupled to the support-base proximate the bottom-end, and extending above the support-base, relative to the horizontal surface. The horizontal-extension-member includes a mount-end and a fan-end opposite the mount-end, with the mount end of the horizontal-extension-member coupled to the vertical-extension-member proximate the top-end of the vertical-extension-member. The horizontal-extension-member extends laterally away from the vertical-extension-member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/371,179 filed Aug. 4, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of supports of existing art and more specifically relates to stands and bases.

Related Art

Many individuals enjoy the air circulation and cooling effects that can be provided by a ceiling fan, but do not have the means to permanently install one. This limitation can be caused by electrical or structural limitations of a structure. Other limitations may be caused by a rental agreement between an owner/landlord and a tenant.

Also, modular (i.e., mobile) homes may not be suitable for ceiling fans. Also, individuals who work outdoors may desire the benefits of a ceiling fan, but are unable to achieve the effects. Further, ceiling fans are not readily transportable between different installations. Therefore a suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,822 to Kenneth A. Schwing relates to a fan support assembly. The described fan support assembly includes fan assembly includes a column arranged substantially vertically, and a base, the column is connected to the base to be supported and restrained in its vertical orientation. An arm has a base end connected to the column and extends from the base end horizontally to a distal end. A fan adapter plate is connected to the distal end and has a fastener hole pattern compatible with commercially available overhead fans. A weather shield can be carried by the arm and is adapted to protect a motor of the overhead fan. Alternate embodiments include a permanently attached column/base embodiment, a portable, a self-standing column/base embodiment, a clamp base embodiment for clamping the base to a deck, weighted base embodiments, and a horizontal wall-mounted fixture. A method of abating mosquitoes includes the use of the overhead fan in an outdoor environment. The fan assembly may include a conventional electrical cord and plug, and may be plugged into a conventional wall outlet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known stands and bases art, the present disclosure provides a novel portable ceiling fan and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a portable ceiling fan and method.

An overhead fan for a horizontal surface is disclosed herein. The overhead fan includes a support base configured to rest upon the horizontal surface, a vertical-extension-member, a horizontal-extension-member, and an electric fan. The vertical-extension-member includes a top-end and a bottom-end (relative to the horizontal surface), with the vertical-extension-member coupled to the support-base proximate the bottom-end, and extending above the support-base, relative to the horizontal surface. The horizontal-extension-member includes a mount-end and a fan-end opposite the mount-end, with the mount end of the horizontal-extension-member coupled to the vertical-extension-member proximate the top-end of the vertical-extension-member. The horizontal-extension-member extends laterally away from the vertical-extension-member. The electric fan is physically coupled to the fan-end of the horizontal-extension-member, with the electric fan including a power supply interface and the electric fan configured to be powered via a power supply. The power supply interface is physically coupled to at least one of the support-base, the vertical-extension-member the horizontal-extension.

According to another embodiment, a method of providing overhead ventilation is also disclosed herein. The method of providing overhead ventilation includes a first step, providing an overhead stand (including a support-base, a vertical-extension-member, a horizontal-extension-member, a fan-fixture-box, and a power supply); a second step, providing an electric fan; a third step, affixing the electric fan to the overhead stand; and a fourth step, electrically coupling the power supply to the overhead stand.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a portable ceiling fan and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of providing overhead ventilation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a stands and bases and more particularly to a portable ceiling fan stand and method as used to improve the transportability and use of a ceiling fan in a non-permanent manner.

Generally, the present disclosure provides the same benefits of a ceiling fan without the requirement of permanent installation, holes in a ceiling, and/or hardwiring. The present disclosure may offer many benefits, such as an effective method for cooling and circulation in a room or outdoors from an aerial position. The disclosure may eliminate the need to install and wire a fan permanently in a ceiling. It may allow those who choose to rent, reside in mobile homes, or merely desire a fan to benefit from a ceiling fan. Also, the present disclosure may offer money savings by offering a cost effective alternative to a ceiling fan.

The rotating fan may be affixed to a vertical member mounted to a base. The base may be hidden beneath furniture or equipment. At the top of the vertical member is a horizontal member that extends vertically away from the base. The fan may be plugged to a standard outlet power supply. Such an arrangement allows users to easily move the device from one location to another without damage or needing repairs to a wall or ceiling. The fan may be operable via a pull cord, remote control, or integrated switch. The vertical member includes adjustability in height.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of an overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100. FIG. 1 shows an overhead fan 100 for a horizontal surface during an ‘in-use’ condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the overhead fan 100 may be beneficial for use by a user to allow the user to utilize the benefits of an overhead fan without the need for a permanent installation. As illustrated, overhead fan 100 may include a support-base 110 (shown in FIG. 2), a vertical-extension-member 120, a horizontal-extension-member 130, and an electric fan 140.

According to one embodiment, overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100 may further include a set of instructions 107. Instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100 such that overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show overhead fan for a horizontal surface 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the overhead fan 100 may include the support-base 110, the vertical-extension-member 120, the horizontal-extension-member 130, and the electric fan 140. The support-base 110 may be configured to rest on the horizontal surface 5. The vertical-extension-member 120 has a top-end 122 and a bottom-end 124 relative to horizontal surface 5, and the vertical-extension-member 120 may be coupled to the support-base 110 proximate the bottom-end 124, extending above the support-base 110 relative to horizontal surface 5.

Vertical-extension-member 120 and horizontal-extension-member 130 may be integrated together in some embodiments. The horizontal-extension-member 130 may be pivotable about a vertical axis of horizontal surface 5, for example the vertical axis extending from vertically from the horizontal surface 5 may be coaxial with a vertical axis of the vertical-extension-member 120 or any point between the vertical-extension-member 120 and an axis of rotation of the electric fan 140.

The horizontal-extension-member 130 may include mount-end 132, and a fan-end 134 opposite mount-end 132. The mount-end 132 of horizontal-extension-member 130 may be coupled to the vertical-extension-member 120 proximate top-end 122 of vertical-extension-member 120. Horizontal-extension-member 130 may extend laterally away from vertical-extension-member 120.

The electric fan 140 may be physically coupled to fan-end 134 of horizontal-extension-member 130. The electric fan 140 may include a power supply interface 144. Further, the electric fan 140 may be configured to be powered by a power supply via the power supply interface 144. According to one embodiment, the electric fan 140 may be configured to be powered by an energy storage 142. The energy storage may be removably coupled to overhead fan 140.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the overhead fan for a horizontal surface, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, overhead fan 100 may include a user interface 150 configured to operate electric fan 140. Additionally, a ground fault circuit interrupter (not shown) may be electrically interspersed between electric fan 140 and power supply interface 144, or may incorporated into user interface 150 and/or power supply interface 144, in embodiments. Power supply interface 144 may protrude or otherwise extend from the support-base 110. Power supply may include a household power supply (e.g. 120 v, 240 v, etc.) or may additionally and/or alternatively include an energy storage (e.g., battery, etc.) electrically coupled to electric fan 140.

Horizontal-extension-member 130 may be removably coupled to vertical-extension-member 120. Also, vertical-extension-member 120 may be removably coupled to support-base 110. Vertical-extension-member 120 may be configured to position the electric fan at an adjustable height, relative to horizontal surface 5 and horizontal-extension-member 130 may be configured to position electric fan 140 at an adjustable in lateral distance from fan-end 134 (FIG. 4) of horizontal-extension-member 130. According to one embodiment, and as shown, the horizontal-extension-member 130 may include a vertical component (e.g., up or down) to its extension. Similarly, but now shown, the vertical-extension-member 120 may include a horizontal component (e.g., fore, aft, left, and/or right) to its extension.

Vertical-extension-member 120 may include a first-fastener-receiver such that the overhead fan is securable to a vertical surface via a fastener such as a wall, pillar or similar structure element. Similarly, horizontal-extension-member 130 may include a second-fastener-receiver such that the device is securable to an overhead surface such as a ceiling. Also, support-base 110 may include a third-fastener-receiver such that the overhead fan is securable to a floor.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating method of providing overhead ventilation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 500 of providing overhead ventilation may include one or more components or features of the overhead fan 100 for a horizontal surface as described above. As illustrated, the method 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing the overhead stand 100 (including the support-base 110, the vertical-extension-member 120, the horizontal-extension-member 130, and the power supply interface 144); step two 502, providing the electric fan 140; step three 503, affixing the electric fan 140 to the overhead stand 100 (e.g., to a fan fixture box configured to receive power from the power supply interface 144 and deliver it to the electric fan 140); step four 504, electrically coupling the power supply interface 144 of the overhead stand 100 to a power supply. According to one embodiment, the method 500 may include the steps of: step five 505, vertically adjusting electric fan 140 position relative to horizontal surface 5; step six 506, horizontally adjusting electric fan 140 position relative to a vertical surface; step seven 507, pivotally adjusting electric fan 140 position about a vertical axis; step eight 508, commencing operation ceiling fan 140 via power supply 144; and step nine 509, ceasing operation of ceiling fan 140 via power supply 144.

It should be noted that step five 505, step six 506, step seven 507, step eight 508, and step nine 509 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for method of providing overhead ventilation (NOTE: e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the disclosure described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An overhead fan for a horizontal surface, the overhead fan comprising: a support-base configured to rest on the horizontal surface; a vertical-extension-member having a top-end and a bottom-end, relative to the horizontal surface, the vertical-extension-member coupled to the support-base proximate the bottom-end, and extending above the support-base, relative to the horizontal surface; a horizontal-extension-member having a mount-end and a fan-end opposite the mount-end, the mount end of the horizontal-extension-member coupled to the vertical-extension-member proximate the top-end of the vertical-extension-member, the horizontal-extension-member extending laterally away from the vertical-extension-member; and an electric fan physically coupled to the fan-end of the horizontal-extension-member, the electric fan including a power supply interface, the electric fan configured to be powered by a power supply via the power supply interface.
 2. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the power supply interface is physically coupled to at least one of the support-base, the vertical-extension-member the horizontal-extension.
 3. The overhead fan of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to operate the electric fan.
 4. The overhead fan of claim 1, further comprising a ground fault circuit interrupter electrically interspersed between the electric fan and the power supply.
 5. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the power supply is a household power supply.
 6. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the power supply is an energy storage electrically coupled to the electric fan.
 7. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the horizontal-extension-member is removably coupled to the vertical-extension-member.
 8. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the vertical-extension-member is removably coupled to the support-base.
 9. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the vertical-extension-member is configured to position the electric fan at an adjustable height, relative to the horizontal surface.
 10. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the horizontal-extension-member is configured to position the electric fan at an adjustable in lateral distance from the fan-end of the horizontal-extension-member.
 11. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the vertical-extension-member and the horizontal-extension-member are integrated together.
 12. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the horizontal-extension-member is pivotable about a vertical axis of the horizontal surface.
 13. The overhead fan of claim 6, wherein the energy storage is removably coupled to the overhead fan.
 14. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the vertical-extension-member includes a first-fastener-receiver configured to secure the overhead fan to a vertical surface via a fastener.
 15. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the horizontal-extension-member includes a second-fastener-receiver configured to secure the overhead fan to an overhead surface.
 16. The overhead fan of claim 1, wherein the support-base includes a third-fastener-receiver configured to secure the overhead fan to the horizontal surface.
 17. An overhead fan for a horizontal surface, the overhead fan comprising: a support-base configured to rest on the horizontal surface; a vertical-extension-member having a top-end and a bottom-end, relative to the horizontal surface, the vertical-extension-member coupled to the support-base proximate the bottom-end, and extending above the support-base, relative to the horizontal surface; a horizontal-extension-member having a mount-end and a fan-end opposite the mount-end, the mount end of the horizontal-extension-member coupled to the vertical-extension-member proximate the top-end of the vertical-extension-member, the horizontal-extension-member extending laterally away from the vertical-extension-member; an electric fan physically coupled to the fan-end of the horizontal-extension-member, the electric fan including an power supply interface, the electric fan configured to be powered by a power supply via the power supply interface; a user interface configured to operate the electric fan; and a ground fault circuit interrupter electrically interspersed between the electric fan and the power supply; and wherein the power supply interface is physically coupled to at least one of the support-base, the vertical-extension-member, and the horizontal-extension-member; and wherein the power supply is a household power supply.
 18. The overhead fan of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the device is arranged as a kit.
 19. A method of providing overhead ventilation, the method comprising the steps of: providing an overhead stand including a support-base, a vertical-extension-member affixed to the support-base, a horizontal-extension-member affixed to the horizontal-extension-member, a fan-fixture-box affixed to the horizontal-extension-member, and a power supply interface configured to deliver power to the fan-fixture-box; providing an electric fan; affixing the electric fan to the fan fixture box of the overhead stand; and electrically coupling the power supply interface of the overhead stand device to a power supply.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: vertically adjusting the electric fan position relative to a horizontal surface; horizontally adjusting the electric fan position relative to a vertical surface; pivotally adjusting the electric fan position about a vertical axis; commencing operation of the ceiling fan via the power supply; and ceasing operation of the ceiling fan via the power supply. 